Accessibility Links

Munster hunt down Leicester Tigers

Munster face familiar foes in Leicester in one of three Irish-Anglo European ties

Peter O’Reilly

December 3 2017, 12:01am, The Sunday Times

December dates: Darren Sweetnam offloads after being tackled during Munster’s clash with Leicester at Thormond Park last seasonDAVID ROGERS

When Donncha O’Callaghan headed to the English Premiership three seasons ago, he didn’t view himself as an advocate for the Pro12/14 but in the Worcester dressing room, that’s what he’s become.

“Myself and Ben Te’o (formerly of Leinster) have this ongoing debate with the other lads,” O’Callaghan says. “The Worcester lads wouldn’t have any time for the Pro14 at all. They point to the fact that the Irish internationals are rested for so many games, and that there’s no relegation. We say: ‘Lads, look at the quality of the rugby.’ But they’re having none of it. They say it’s a joke-shop. They say that anyone can chuck the ball around if there are no consequences.”

The debate will intensify with the return of the Champions…

Want to read more?

Subscribe now and get unlimited digital access on web and our smartphone and tablet apps, free for your first month.